A Name Unknown by Roseanna White plus Giveaway

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: A Name Unknown

Author: Roseanna M. White

Release date: July 4, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

She’s Out to Steal His Name.

Will He Steal Her Heart Instead?

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets—now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary’s challenge of a lifetime comes when she’s assigned to determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?

As Europe moved closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can’t help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown—so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she’s the right person to help him dig through his family’s past.

When danger and suspicion continue to mount, though, and both realize they’re in a race against time to discover the truth—about Peter’s past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest Post from Roseanna White

It’s always a challenge to make a historical setting authentic—especially when it’s set in a region you’ve only ever read about. As I was writing A Name Unknown, I learned so much about Cornwall—all the more when I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Penzance region while the book was still in edits! I quickly learned that I had far too many trees in my story, and hadn’t quite captured the uniqueness of the coastal setting. I dove into rewrites with excitement and gusto, ready to make my fictional Cornwall more like the real one.

I studied the Cornish accent, Cornish foods, typical Cornish coloring in hair and eyes. I’ve now gotten rather proficient at making pasties (beef hand pies) from scratch, I’ve special-ordered ingredients to make Cornish ginger cookies called fairings, and I’ve spent quite a lot of time listening to videos of people speaking in a Cornish accent.

Delving into this rich region and its history was a blast! And I’m so excited to get to share the culture of Cornwall—and a taste of their unique flavors—with you. In a special Celebrate Lit giveaway, I’ll be offering not only a signed copy of my book, but also some homemade ginger fairings! Here’s the recipe I used . . . after special ordering the Mixed Spice (reminiscent of pumpkin pie spice) and Golden Syrup (a thick syrup with a bit of a toffee flavor) from Amazon. 😉 (I have a gram scale so did use the weight measurements rather than volume—also, English teaspoons and tablespoons are a bit bigger than American, so I heaped them, and I turned out deliciously.)

GINGER FAIRINGS RECIPE

100 grams butter, cold and diced

225 grams all-purpose flour

¼ heaping teaspoon salt

2 heaping teaspoons baking powder

2 heaping teaspoons baking soda

1 heaping teaspoon ginger

2 heaping teaspoons mixed spice

100 grams superfine (caster) sugar

4 heaping tablespoons golden syrup

Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.

Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a stand mixer. Add the butter and beat until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in sugar.

In a small saucepan, warm the golden syrup until it’s clarified a bit; stir into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and put on prepared baking sheets a few inches apart.

Bake 8-10 minutes, until golden. Cool a few minutes on the trays and then transfer to a cooling rack.

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July 18: Faithfully Bookish

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July 18: Bibliophile Reviews

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July 29: Thoughts from Mill Street

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July 29: Karen Sue Hadley

July 29: Faery Tales Are Real

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July 31: Reader’s cozy corner

July 31: Cafinated Reads

July 31: Red Headed Book Lady

July 31: The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate
 

Giveaway

To celebrate this tour, Roseanna is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of A Name Unknown & 2 dozen cookies from Roseanna!!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bc0e

NAOMI’s HOPE by Jan Drexler From Revell

NAOMI’s HOPE

by Jan Drexler

About this Book

Despite growing pains in her 1846 Amish community in Indiana, Naomi Schrock has settled into a comfortable life in her parents’ home with her adopted son, Davey. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries not to think about the fact that she’s not at the top of any man’s list of potential wives. Yet when Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and befriends Davey, Naomi finds herself caught between the plans she has made for her future and the tantalizing thought that Cap might be part of a life she never dared to hope for.

When a couple shows up claiming to be Davey’s true family, Naomi and Cap must unite to make the decision that will determine the boy’s future as well as their own. How can she relinquish him to these unknown relatives? And can God somehow bring wholeness to her heart?

My Thoughts on this book 

Naomi Shrock is content with living with her family and her son Davey. That is until Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and starts giving Naomi a little attention. The beginning of this story starts out slow, and difficult to keep your attention. But wanting to know the end results for Davey and Naomi, I kept reading and it gets much better. Naomi’s character got on my nerves some because she has so self confidence, but this was a good thing because it kept me reading to see if that would change. Even when Cap shows interest. I like Cap. He was very good with Davey, and Davey needed the man in his life.

And then he couple shows up claiming to be family of Davey’s and wanting to claim the land belonging to Davey. To me this entire scene was off or something. It was too fast happening and almost no details. It just didn’t seem to fit, but maybe that’s the way things happened back in the 1840’s. Overall this is a very nice read. And a nice ending to this series. I encouraged you to grab a copy for yourself. You will enjoy the few hours of entertainment!

I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

about the Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the inspiration for her stories. Jan lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of thirty-five years. She is the author of The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children (winner of the 2013 TARA award), and A Home for His Family (finalist for the 2016 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award), as well as Hannah’s Choice and Mattie’s Pledge.

Giveaway Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett. Ends August 12, 2017

 

Today’s post is a giveaway for Karen Barnett’s new book Road to Paradise. I love this wonderful read and want to give my copy to one lucky reader!

Entry no.1. Leave a blog comment where I posted my review. Scroll town and clink on link

Entry no.2  Go to where I posted my review and Like my review.

Entry no.3.  follow by blog for 3 entries! Scroll down to  The link below, it takes you to the review,

Be sure to tell me if you follow my blog or like my post!

HERE IS WHERE I POSTED MY REVIEW OF KAREN’S BOOK

https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2017/07/20/the-road-to-paradise-by-karen-barnett/

A Name Unknown by Roseanna White and giveaway

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: A Name Unknown
Author: Roseanna M. White
Release date: July 4, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance
She’s Out to Steal His Name.
Will He Steal Her Heart Instead?
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets—now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary’s challenge of a lifetime comes when she’s assigned to determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?
As Europe moved closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can’t help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown—so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she’s the right person to help him dig through his family’s past.
When danger and suspicion continue to mount, though, and both realize they’re in a race against time to discover the truth—about Peter’s past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Having no family, Rosemary had to learn to survive as a child, with help only from the urchins that were there on the mean streets of London, surviving just like her. This group later formed a more formal group, focusing only the higher society, those who will not miss the things stolen from them. Rosemary’s life changed when she was given the challenge of a lifetime, to determine if wealthy Peter Holstein is loyal to Britain or Germany. When Rosemary hires on as a Librarian to help organize and clean out his library, she finds a whole lot more than she every imagined! And being so close to Peter Holstein gets harder because the attraction is so very strong. What will happen to these two as the War grows closer and they struggle to find answers? 

Wow! I heard talk that A Name Unknown was an awesome read, and truly it is, and more! I love, love the fiesty and oh so sassy Rosemary. And Peter, with his cleft chin and stutters was simply adorable! All of the characters were so beautifully created, and I so wanted to find out who the mysterious Mr. V was! And even though I didn’t agree with what they did to put food on the table, I was impressed with Rosemary’s ‘family’ and the love and closeness they had. And Rosemary’s time at the Holstein house, well it all just tied in beautifully and ended in the most charming ending a book could have. There is so much going on in this story, so much to tell, but I just can’t mention more without ruining it for others. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love A Name Unknown. The history in this book is amazing and Ms. White did an awesome job with research, each scene described so vividly and beautiful. I highly recommend this book to you historical fiction lovers out there as well as those just wanting a good, clean read, one that includes living for the Lord in everyday life and shows how on can find Jesus, all done in a classy way. 

I rec’d this book through Celebration Lit Tours to read and review. This review is my honest opinion, mine words only.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest Post from Roseanna White

It’s always a challenge to make a historical setting authentic—especially when it’s set in a region you’ve only ever read about. As I was writing A Name Unknown, I learned so much about Cornwall—all the more when I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Penzance region while the book was still in edits! I quickly learned that I had far too many trees in my story, and hadn’t quite captured the uniqueness of the coastal setting. I dove into rewrites with excitement and gusto, ready to make my fictional Cornwall more like the real one.
I studied the Cornish accent, Cornish foods, typical Cornish coloring in hair and eyes. I’ve now gotten rather proficient at making pasties (beef hand pies) from scratch, I’ve special-ordered ingredients to make Cornish ginger cookies called fairings, and I’ve spent quite a lot of time listening to videos of people speaking in a Cornish accent.
Delving into this rich region and its history was a blast! And I’m so excited to get to share the culture of Cornwall—and a taste of their unique flavors—with you. In a special Celebrate Lit giveaway, I’ll be offering not only a signed copy of my book, but also some homemade ginger fairings! Here’s the recipe I used . . . after special ordering the Mixed Spice (reminiscent of pumpkin pie spice) and Golden Syrup (a thick syrup with a bit of a toffee flavor) from Amazon. (I have a gram scale so did use the weight measurements rather than volume—also, English teaspoons and tablespoons are a bit bigger than American, so I heaped them, and I turned out deliciously.)
GINGER FAIRINGS RECIPE
100 grams butter, cold and diced
225 grams all-purpose flour
¼ heaping teaspoon salt
2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
2 heaping teaspoons baking soda
1 heaping teaspoon ginger
2 heaping teaspoons mixed spice
100 grams superfine (caster) sugar
4 heaping tablespoons golden syrup
Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper.
Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a stand mixer. Add the butter and beat until mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in sugar.
In a small saucepan, warm the golden syrup until it’s clarified a bit; stir into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and put on prepared baking sheets a few inches apart.
Bake 8-10 minutes, until golden. Cool a few minutes on the trays and then transfer to a cooling rack.

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Giveaway

[Insert Giveaway Picture Here]

To celebrate this tour, Roseanna is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of A Name Unknown & 2 dozen cookies from Roseanna!!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bc0e

The Memory of You by Catherine West

Author: Catherine West
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?

When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.
And Natalie never says no to her father.

Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.

But finding freedom from the past means facing it.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Natalie Mitchell seemed to have it all. Working in her dad’s business, she has a substantial job, a more than nice place to live, but something was missing. When she hears of her grandfathers heart attack, Natalie decides to take leave from her job and see what she can do to help out her grandfather and his winery. But it wasn’t an easy decision for Natalie because 13 years ago in this very place, her twin sister was killed. And then there was Tanner. Could she survive being around him after everything that happened?

Wow, what a story! I immediately fell in love with Natalie and Tanner. The friction and emotions between them was so strong, my heart hurt for them both. Natalie’s granddaddy was the sweetest old man and he was so proud to have his granddaughter there. He knew her pain and wanted her to deal with the past. Tanner, well he was ready to look for another job! And I’m stopping there, not telling any more. Catherine West is an exceptional story teller. I was so deeply involved in the lives of the characters, they felt like old friends and I could feel their hurt. Each scene was described in a way that pulled me deeper into the story. The vivid descriptions of the winery, from how the wine was made to bottling it, was truly a learning experience for me. This is a book that will stay on my bookshelf and I will definitely read The Memory of You again!

I rec’d this book through Celebration Lit Tours to read and review. This review is my honest opinion, mine words only.

 

About the Author

Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in 2011 and won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, Hidden in the Heart, released in September 2012, was long listed in the 2012 INSPY’s and was a finalist in the 2013 Grace Awards.

When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

CONNECT WITH CATHERINE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Step by Step by Candace Calvert

Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point—“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.
While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.
When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Candace Calvert books always blow me away with her amazing medical scenes, which is the entire book! Being a nurse, Ms. Calvert doesn’t have to research the knowledge is already there, thus why her medical fiction are so amazing, Including this one, Step by Step. ER nurse Taylor Cabot is ready to have a life again after loosing her husband in a tragic accident. But when Friend Seth Donavan reappears, her life is turned upside down again.

This is a really good book, and the characters just steal your heart and keep it long after you finish the story. This storyline is excellent, sometime it’s gets sad and emotional so be prepared to sometimes cry, and other times laugh as you follow Seth and Taylor as they find out shocking truths and dangers that will have you biting your nails!  I just couldn’t put the book down until I found out exactly what happens. Ms. Calvert makes sure there are enough twists and turns that readers will enjoy this book till the very last page.

I highly recommend Step by Step for anyone who loves a good clean entertaining read. I received this book from Tyndale House Blogger program to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

 

The Road to Paradise

by Karen Barnett

About This Book

An ideal sanctuary and a dream come true–that’s what Margaret Lane feels as she takes in God’s gorgeous handiwork in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s 1927 and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow.

But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.

When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Karen Barnett’s vintage national parks novels bring to vivid life President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for protected lands, when he wrote in Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter: “There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children’s children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred.”

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Margaret Lane lands the job of her dreams when she gets her job alongside Chief Park Ranger Ford Brayden, in Mount Rainier National Park. But Ranger Brayden wants nothing to do with the senator’s daughter. But as they work together, Brayden soon finds out the Margaret is indeed interested in the National Park and its beauty. And will work hard to retain that beauty. But Margaret’s ex-boyfriend has other ideas for the park and he usually gets what he wants.

I love this very interesting and charming story by Karen Barnett. The main characters, Margaret and Ranger Brayden are very likable and captured my heart from the beginning. The boyfriend, not so likeable, but necessary to spice up the story a bit. Mount Rainier National Park sounds like a wonderful place to visit and possibly work, and I would feel just as Margaret felt. Saving the beauty of the park, its animals and it’s peacefulness is essential. Thinking about Margaret’s dad, I highly respect him for wanting and allowing her to spend time in the park. Many fathers with the outstanding position he had would have wanted something more ‘high society’ for their daughter.

And Ranger Brayden, I just loved his thoughts toward the quirky Senator’s daughter from the beginning. He was so determined he didn’t have the time or patience for this addition to park job. And even more determined the park would stay as his dad left it, always wanted to honor his dad in everything he did. And he seems a bit of eye candy to the eyes too! But he had a job to do so he was off limits!

And then there is Phillip, a character who needs to be there but we all very much dislike. My heart was aching for Brayden and Margaret  as they fought to honor their National Park, and as Phillip was fighting just as much to make it into the biggest tourist attraction around. But Phillip wasn’t just in it for the money, but for the lady as well. Or did he really want her? Having her hike Mt. Rainier with no experience, non at all. How could he love her, yet want this dangerous hike in her near future?

Ok this is all I need to say about this wonderful read. I sure hope there will be more book following. I can’t wait to see what Karen Barnett has for us next. I highly recommend this book and I give it a 5 Star rating ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this book from Blogging for Books blog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

UPON A BREEZE BY KELLY IRVIN

UPON A BREEZE BY KELLY IRVIN

Book Description

After a devastating winter, a spring breeze promises more than new flowers.… It promises a new chance at love.

Bess Weaver, twenty and expecting her first child, is in the kitchen making stew for her beloved mann, Caleb, one minute, and the next she’s burying him after a tragic accident. Facing life as a young widow, Bess finds comfort only in tending the garden at an Englisch-owned bed and breakfast—even as she doubts that new growth could ever come after such a long winter.

Aidan tries to repress his guilt over his best friend Caleb’s death and his long-standing feelings for Bess by working harder than ever. But as he spends time with the young son his friend left behind, he seems to be growing closer to the boy’s beautiful mother as well.

When a close-knit group of widows in her Amish community step in to help Bess find her way back to hope, she begins to wonder if Gott has a future for her after all. Will she ever believe that life can still hold joy and the possibility of love?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Upon a Spring Breeze is Author Kelly Irvin’s first book in An Every Amish Season. We meet Caleb and Bess Weaver as they await the welcome their new baby into their family. But Bess’ like was turned upside down when Caleb’ life was taken in a tragic accident. Caleb’s wishes was for his best friend Aiden to look after his wife, which means a lot of time with Bess. And emotions and feelings begins to happen. But could these two ever have a happy life together?

Bess Weaver ends up in a situation that no one wants to be in. My heart was hurting for her as she grieved the loss of her husband. Emerging herself into her job, she was able to forget about her status as a widower. And this is so like real life, because it’s easier to try to run away from our pain.

Parts of this book was really difficult to read. But you have to keep reading to find out what happens in the lives of these wonderful character. Mrs. Irvin does such a wonderful job of showing how we deal with pain, and how we can move on in our pain with God’s help. I highly recommend this really great read! And if you are Amish, this is a must read for you!

I received this book from BookLookBlog Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport plus giveaway.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: Gladden the Heart

Author: Olivia Newport

Release date: July 1, 2017

Genre: Historical Amish

“When you have experienced the Holy Ghost as I have, you would see that it is difficult to turn back.”

When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience?

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna’s intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism.

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith.. Now they must grapple with whether love is possible…even if they come to different conclusions.

When Noah goes missing at a time of day when he often preaches while asleep, circumstances thrust community members with divergent opinions into a crisis that demands they recognize the humanity they share regardless of beliefs. But can strong-held opinions be softened by the truths that shape their lives?

                 MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK_____

Gladden the Heart is set in the 1847 in Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania and the story starts with a tent revival with some pretty hard preaching, inviting sinners to repent of their sins and giving their hearts to Jesus. Many from the Amish community are at the meeting, or they are sneaking around seeing what they can find out, just like Suzanna Hooley, who does her best to sneak into the crowd to hear the preaching. But when a relative of Suzanna’s, Noah falls asleep and starts preaching a message, this little Amish community is quite shaken up. Even the Bishop comes to hear Noah preach, and fully believes he is wide awake! Many people come to his house to hear him, but Noah’s strange behavior also has some concerned. What will the answer be?

For me Gladden the Heart was slow going. It too me a while to get into the story enough to read it, in fact I read the first few chapters twice to try and understand what was happening  it does get better as the story unfolds. The author does a very nice job with detailing the historical setting of the story, letting her readers experience the  Pennsylvania if so many years ago.  And reading about Suzanna dying fabric was very interesting. Especially the products she used to come up with the colors! Suzanna’s character was interesting, as were most of the others. And the sleeping preacher idea was  quite intriguing. Over all, this was an interesting and different Amish read. A story I think anyone who loves historical or Amish fiction would enjoy.

I rec’d this book from the publisher through Celebration Lit Tours. I was not expected to write a review and this review is a product of my opinions only!

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Her books include the Avenue of Dreams series set in 1890s Chicago; the Valley of Choice series, which intertwines contemporary and historical Amish stories; the historical Amish Turns of Time series; and Hidden Falls, a warm, contemporary, small-town novel.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

Sleepy Sundays

Now don’t laugh, but my guess is that if you looked around your church on any given Sunday morning, you’d see somebody sleeping. It might be an infant or toddler whose nap time collides with the worship time resting in a parent’s arms, or it might be a senior citizen who has perfected the art of dozing in an upright position.

What you don’t expect is that the person sleeping will be the preacher.

I’ve always been interested in church history. I even read a magazine called Christian History on a regular basis and consider it pleasure reading. In my ambling through church history, I came across a notation about “sleeping preachers” in the nineteenth century in various denominations, including the Amish. The accounts suggested that individuals who were not ministers would fall unconscious, wake up to preach for lengthy periods, sleep again, and have no recollection of their actions.

Could this possibly be true? Or a giant hoax? What’s a genuine spiritual experience, and what do we do when don’t agree on how to answer that question? Let’s face it, even now, 150 years later, we still don’t quite know what to do with our varying traditions when we don’t agree on how to answer that question.

I knew I had the makings of a story. Gladden the Heart travels back to 1847 and wrestles with these questions. When a divided community faces a life-or-death situation, they must respond to a crisis that challenges them to look past their differences. But can strong-held opinions be softened by the truths that shape their lives?

Gladden the Heart is the fifth story in Olivia Newport’s Amish Turns of Time series of historical Amish novels. Olivia chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Blog Stops

 

July 4: Cafinated Reads

July 5: Book by Book

July 6: Genesis 5020

July 6: A Baker’s Perspective

July 7: Reading Is My SuperPower

July 7: Connie’s History Classroom

July 8: Daysong Reflections

July 9: God’s Little Bookworm

July 9: Inklings and Notions

July 10: A Reader’s Brain

July 10: Zerina Blossom’s Books

July 11: Bibliophile Reviews

July 11: Artistic Nobody

July 12: Karen Sue Hadley

July 12: Blogging With Carol

July 13: The Fizzy Pop Collection

July 14: Have A Wonderful Day

July 14: cherylbbookblog

July 15: Bigreadersite

July 15: Carpe Diem

July 16: Splashes of Joy

July 16: The Power of Words

July 17: His Grace is Sufficient

July 17: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a Grand Prize that consists of:
All five books in the Amish Turns of Time series (http://www.olivianewport.com/amish-turns-of-time/)
PLUS
Bonus: All three books in the Valley of Choice series (http://www.olivianewport.com/valley-of-choice/)
PLUS
$25 Amazon Gift Card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bc59

 

His Guilt by Shelley Shepard Gray

His Guilt

by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THIS BOOK 
His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County (Avon Inspire, July 2017)
A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves
Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay…
Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.
Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Mark Fisher returning home to Hart County, Kentucky stirs up a lot of gossip in the community. Even though he was found not guilty he, his Amish community still wrongly accuses him of attacking a young lady in their community.

Both working for Henry Lehman, Waneta Cain and Mark spend a lot of time together, and getting to know Mark, Waneta doesn’t think Mark is guilty. But she has no support from the community except her mom and dad, who grow to love Mark. But will his reputation forever be ruined and this Amish community of people who are supposed to be so willing to forgive.

Shelley Shepard Gray returns to Hart County, Kentucky for the second book in her series, The Amish of Hart County. I like the way Ms. Gray writes her Amish stories a bit different that what we sometimes hear of other plain communities. His Guilt deals with tough issues such as assault on women and determining a person guilty before he’s proven guilty. Sometimes the Amish are frustrating, like on issues of forgiveness, they and adamant about forgiving and claim to forgive, yet their lifestyle says something completely different, as they are with Mark in this story, and though this is fiction, is this the way it is with Amish?

I found the story to be pretty predictable, and some of it just wasn’t realistic for me, and the simplicity of some of the scenes was a bit much. But it is an entertaining story to read, and if you enjoy Amish, this is a story you will enjoy! This book was provided by the publisher and Litfuse. I wasn’t required to write a review. The opinions and everything else here is totally mine!

Publisher…Avon Inspire
Genre……Amish
Rating….4 stars
Purchase here Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Shepard Gray
Shelley Shepard Gray is a “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Under a Summer Sky By Melody Carlson

Under a Summer Sky Melody Carlson

About this book

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn’t long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who’s determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of Nicole’s close childhood friends–who also happen to be brothers–vying for her attention.

With a backdrop of a beautiful historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

My Thoughts On This Book

Art teacher landed an amazing summer job at her mom’s friends art gallery, and taking care of their house while they took a summer trip. All was going well until the couple’s two sons decides to make a run for Nichole, trying to see which one could win her. The story gets very tense at times because of the two adult guys that acted like boys some of the times.

The historical setting with the beautiful scenes described by the author was amazing. I felt like I was in historic Georgia while reading the book. However, some parts of the book didn’t seem so real, especially with a young teacher actually taking over as manager of an art Gallery she knew nothing about. The house setting and just working at the gallery was pretty good, after all the families knew each other. The romance part of the story was very sweet. Very nice summer read, and I think this one is great for younger ladies to read!

I received this book from The publisher, Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

 

About the Author

My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two �re-homed� pets to make life more interesting�our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.

 

My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that�s off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime�one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.

 

Never Unfriended by Lisa-Jo Baker

ABOUT THIS BOOK 

In a world where women can unfriend each other with the swipe of a finger, how do we find friendships that we can trust to last? Maybe by first becoming those kinds of lasting friends ourselves.

As the community manager at the website incourage.me since 2010, Lisa-Jo Baker has had the chance to engage hundreds of conversations with women about friendship. She’s learned that no one can make us quite as unsure about ourselves as another woman. And nothing can wound as deeply as unkind words from a friend. While we are all hungry for friendship, it’s the fear of feeling awkward and being rejected, left out, or hurt (again) that often keep us from connecting.

But what if we knew we could never be unfriended? Would we risk friendship then?

Starting with that guarantee from the most faithful friend who ever lived—Jesus—this book is a step-by-step guide to friendships you can trust. It answers the questions that lurk under the surface of every friendship—What are we afraid of? What can’t we change? What can we change? And where do we start?—with personal stories and practical tips to help you make the friends, and be the friend, that lasts.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

In a world of social media and online relationships, it can sometimes be devastating when someone you call a friend suddenly unfriends you on their social media page. But there is so much more the friendships that those hollow ones we face online. And author Lisa-Jo Baker shares her thoughts and so many illustrations and tipsily this subject in her new book Never Unfriended. You will find yourself shedding many tears and sometimes just downright laugh so much as you read this amazing and precious book. And I say precious because, through the wonderful stories of other pinned here in this book, Ms. Baker teaches us how to have lasting friends that we can love and trust for a lifetime. And most importantly, she teaches about the friend we can always trust, the friend that is closer than a brother, the friend that never leaves us, our Savior, Jesus Christ. What a lovely and beautiful book to read for yourself and give to others.

As I read through the stories for others, I found a lot of things relating to my own life, as I feel all those who read this book will find. And I appreciate that Ms. Baker guides our hearts and thoughts toward God and His everlasting love for us. And she does it in such a way that doesn’t sound preachy, comdemning or judgmental, she shares in that soft, warm and sweet way that makes us feel loved and wanted as friends.

I highly recommend this book to every woman out there. This is a needed read, a read that will change your heart and life, giving you a peaceful attitude on friendships. This book was given to me by them publisher B&H publishers. I was not required to write a review of this book. I chose to write this review, and the opinions are mine alone!

UNDER THE SUMMER SKIES BY MELODY CARLSON

UNDER THE SUMMER SKIES                                BY MELODY CARLSON

About this Book 

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn’t long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who’s determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of Nicole’s close childhood friends–who also happen to be brothers–vying for her attention.

With a backdrop of a beautiful historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

School teacher Nicole Anderson is hoping for something different from her time teaching school, for her summer vacation. Her mom just happens to have a friend in Savannah that needs a house and Art Gallery sitter for three months while her husband takes her in a three month cruise. The house reeks of money, and Nicole has free run of the house and vehicle, as well as the Gallery. But was Nicole ready for the not so accommodating Gallery helper and the two sons that belong to her mom’s friend?

I enjoyed this sweet summer romance from Melody Carlson. The characters were artfully suited for a nice little romance, and they fit their parts well. Nicole did well in her summer job, though it did feel a bit over the top sometimes because the idea of a job like this is highly unlikely. At first the two guys seemed to good to be true, but then as you get to know them more as the story unfolds, you see what they are really made of. And I can’t leave out the vivid descriptions of Savannah so beautifully described by the author. After finishing the book I felt like I’d had a tour of the beautiful historical city of Savannah!  This book was given to me by the Publisher, ReI was not required to write a review of this book. I chose to write this review, and the opinions are mine alone!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and the contemporary romances Once Upon a Summertime and All Summer Long. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at http://www.melodycarlson.com.